Hotel Hassler Roma Celebrates 125 Years of World-Class Hospitality

The iconic five-star Hotel Hassler Roma, located atop the Spanish Steps, will mark its 125th anniversary with a grand celebration to be attended by its most elite guests on November 28, 2018 and an interactive exhibit of the hotel’s rich history. To create this exhibit, it is seeking help from its most loyal patrons as they gather historical files from the hotel’s past, asking them to send any memorabilia they might have from the Hassler — anything from a receipt to an old photograph to a piece of stationary.

On November 28th, the Hassler will transform many of its public spaces into themed exhibits, creating an interactive journey through the hotel’s past. The celebrations will begin with an award presentation from local politicians to Roberto E. Wirth, the Hassler’s Owner, President and General Manager, for his 40 years of service and commitment to the Hassler, which is still today considered an iconic symbol of Rome. Later in the evening, celebrities, loyal patrons, and press will come together to celebrate the Hassler’s rich history. A cocktail party with live music will be held in the Sala Medici; the themed exhibits will showcase moments from the Hassler’s history over the years through memorabilia, archival images, a look at Mr. Wirth’s family origins in Switzerland and more. The evening will be capped off with an incredible light display reflected onto the hotel’s façade, depicting images from the Hassler’s stories past and present.

Owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty, the Hassler is proud of its legacy as Rome’s five-star lodging of choice for the world’s elite and discerning travelers since 1893, having welcomed everyone from the Kennedys to Picasso to Princess Diana to Justin Timberlake. The hotel’s history has been integrated into Rome’s history over the last 125 years: in the 1920’s, American tourists began flocking to Europe and made the Hassler the undisputed leader in the Italian hotel industry; during World War II, the hotel served as the U.S. Air Force’s headquarters in Rome; in the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn made her home at the Hassler while filming Roman Holiday, and became a regular guest thereafter. In the 1950s, Roberto Wirth’s father unveiled the hotel’s rooftop restaurant – considered the first hotel restaurant in the world to offer so dramatic a panorama.

Keeping its doors open through three different centuries, the Hassler continues to innovate, continually evolving to meet the demands of the modern traveler. Just earlier this year, the hotel unveiled new renovations of its entryway and public spaces and, before that, made updates to its iconic Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo, which continues to offer panoramic views of the Roman skyline.

In addition to celebrating the hotel’s heralded history on November 28th, the festivities will also underscore Roberto Wirth’s years of service – one of the world’s only grand hotel owners who is also its day-to-day manager. Mr. Wirth considers the Hassler his home and family heritage. Mr. Wirth, who was born profoundly deaf, founded the Roberto Wirth Fund in 1992, with the goal of supporting the growth of deaf and deaf-blind children through special programs. His commitment, passion, dedication and personal touch are what have led the hotel to achieve its position as one of Europe’s top hotels.